KR20170117371A - Improved delivery system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

An improved method and system for delivering at least one ordered article to at least one locked storage container associated with a corresponding customer, the improved method and system comprising: Determining availability; Identifying a time interval at which delivery may occur to the locked storage container; And sending a signal to the locked storage vessel that allows access by the shipping agent delivering the at least one ordered item to the locked storage container only during the time interval, It is a delivery aircraft.

Description

[0001] IMPROVED DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD [0002]

The present invention relates to a system, apparatus and method for purchasing, ordering, delivering and receiving goods or other items.

Due to the recent surge in e-commerce, where consumers are accessing websites through the Internet and shipping products to homes, offices, or other places, a safe and secure place to receive merchandise when items are shipped to an empty location As well as a need for a secure system / method for scheduling and tracking delivery of purchased goods. The convenience of being able to avoid going to a brick and mortar or outlet to buy a product and shipping it to a home, office, or other place is due to the problem surrounding the shipment of goods to the buyer securely Lt; / RTI > If the buyer is not at the scene to receive the goods, there is a risk of theft or damage, because the delivery must be re-scheduled or the item must be left unsafe in the field.

U. S. Patent No. 6,933, 832 describes a system and method for delivering goods and other goods purchased in a non-watch location and enabling safe and secure receipt.

The patented method and system enables at least one purchased or ordered item to be delivered to a locked storage container associated with the customer, the method comprising: after purchase or order of at least one item To determine the availability of a locked storage container to receive delivery at one or more times, to identify a time interval at which delivery can be made, and to provide a shipping agent access to the locked storage container And transmitting to the locked storage vessel a signal that is allowed only during a time interval for delivery of one article.

These and other objects are realized by the present invention, an embodiment of the present invention relates to an improved method for delivering at least one ordered article to at least one locked storage container associated with the customer, Subsequently determining the availability of a locked storage container to receive delivery at one or more times; Identifying a time interval at which delivery may occur to a locked storage container; And sending a signal to the locked storage vessel that allows access by the shipping agent delivering at least one order item to the locked storage vessel only during the time interval, It is an unmanned aircraft.

1 is an elevational view of a storage container.
Figure 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps of the method of the present invention superimposed over the major components or participants of the method.
3 is a front view of the storage container.
4 is a rear view of the storage container.
Fig. 5 is a view showing the inside of the storage container taken out.
6 is a block diagram of a system using a computer as a controller between an electronic key for a storage device and a communications network.
Figure 7 is a simplified flow diagram of the delivery method.
Figure 8 is a front view of the top of the storage container of the present invention with a loading dock for the unmanned aircraft delivery agent.
Figure 9 is an elevational view of the storage container side of the present invention docked with the unmanned aerial vehicle delivery agent.

The present invention is based on the unexpected discovery of a method for delivering at least one purchased or ordered item associated with a customer to a locked storage container, Determining the availability of a locked storage container to receive the delivery at a time greater than or equal to a predetermined time, identifying a time interval at which delivery can occur, providing a shipping agent access to the locked storage container with a time for delivery of the at least one item Transmitting to the locked containment vessel an access signal which is allowed only during the interval, the method being greatly improved by enabling delivery by an unmanned delivery aircraft, i.e. a drone aircraft.

It is assumed that the method of the present invention provides at least one locked storage container at a fixed location / location / address that is accessible by an identifier that unlocks the access door to the interior of the locked storage container. "Identifier" means a physical device, such as a key, an electronic key, a smart card, a magnetic card or similar device, carried or transported by a shipping agent; Biometric characteristics such as fingerprint, voice pattern recognized by machine, retinal scan of shipping agent; (E.g. FabFi, G.hn, etc.), Ethernet, telephone, optical fiber, optical, bar code, QR code, or any combination of the methods. Half-duplex or full-duplex communication methods, including but not limited to a combination of the following: a wireless communication option such as, for example, a locker, or any other element that operates to unlock the device.

According to the improved method of the present invention, the identification can be provided by an act of the unmanned aircraft docking with a locked storage container or by any of the wireless communications described above. Alternatively, the unmanned aircraft may communicate with a central server that negotiates directly with the container remotely to unlock the container and allow access.

The general position of the locked storage container is attached to or near the outside of the home or office. Locked storage containers can receive and store items for shipping or pickup to a security level that prevents unauthorized entry or theft and protects against pests and adverse weather conditions. A locked containment vessel may have a plurality of storage areas, some of which may be cooled or heated. The container can stand independently or be fixed in a fixed position or attached to a structure.

The locked containment vessel may preferably communicate electronically with a computer or computer network by any of a variety of means including, but not limited to, telephone signals, television cables, computer network cables, radio signals, and the like.

A locked storage container is a "scheduler " that can send and receive instructions to devices that can configure and record a shipping and pickup schedule using a device, a locker or a device, ) "To < / RTI > a computer or computer network. The locked storage container is preferably identifiable by a computer or computer network communicating by identification number, name, or location. Each locked storage container is also preferably associated with a particular customer ' s account record.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method and system for scheduling and tracking deliveries, receiving deliveries using special devices, making payments, processing payments, inventorying items to be shipped and delivered, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > and / or < / RTI > A user of the present methods and systems may be an entity desiring to deliver and / or receive delivery. Users of the method and system can schedule deliveries, track shipment and delivery, securely deliver through special devices, lockers or devices, make payments and confirm payment, Can be reconsidered. Users of the present methods and systems may access data relating to devices, devices or lacquers and / or shipping locations stored on a computer or computer network and accessed by various means including telephone, radio, computer network or Internet. The types of data that can be accessed include data on the location of the locked storage container and the alternative shipping location, storage capacity and type of device, type and availability of storage capacity at the intended shipping time and date, shipping device and location and payment method But are not limited to, special instructions or other information related to the < RTI ID = 0.0 >

The present invention is alternatively described as a method or system for delivering ordered goods by an unmanned aircraft (drone) to one of a plurality of locked storage containers associated with a corresponding customer using a delivery system comprising a scheduler Ordering a first delivery of one or more goods for a first customer associated with a first one of a plurality of locked storage containers; Determining an availability of the first locked storage vessel to receive the first delivery at one or more times by use of a scheduler after the order of the first delivery; Identifying a first time interval at which the first delivery can be made using the scheduler; And the delivery system sending an access signal to the first lock containment vessel that permits the first delivery unmanned aircraft undergoing the delivery to access the first lock containment vessel only during the first time interval do. The steps comprising: ordering a second delivery of one or more goods for the first customer; Determining an availability of the first locked storage vessel to receive the second delivery at one or more times by use of the scheduler after the ordering of the second delivery; Identifying a second time interval at which the second delivery can be made using the scheduler; And the delivery system transmitting an access signal to the first lock storage vessel allowing the second delivery unmanned aircraft having the second delivery to access the first lock storage vessel only during the second time interval .

Delivery for one or more goods may be ordered for a second customer associated with a second one of the plurality of lock storage containers. After the ordering of the last mentioned shipment, the availability of the second lock storage vessel to receive the last mentioned shipment at one or more times by use of the scheduler is determined. The method further comprising: using the scheduler to identify a second customer time interval at which the last mentioned delivery can be made, and the delivery system being operable to cause the unmanned aircraft, 2 lock storage container to the second lock storage container. Wherein the first delivery unmanned aircraft opens the first lock holding vessel using an identifier corresponding to the first delivery unmanned aircraft and the second delivery unmanned aircraft uses the identifier corresponding to the second delivery unmanned aircraft to open the first lock holding vessel using the identifier corresponding to the first delivery unmanned aircraft, Open the first lock storage container.

After the order, the size of the delivery is determined using the delivery system. The available space in the first lock holding vessel is checked by use of the delivery system. With the availability indicated in the inspecting step, the delivery system reserves sufficient space for receiving the delivery in the first lock storage container.

And after the first shipment, signaling insertion of the first shipment into the first lock storage vessel to the delivery system, charging the account of the first customer for the first shipment to the first lock storage vessel (Charge). The first lock containment vessel signals to the delivery system an insertion of the first delivery into the first lockout container based on access by the first delivery unmanned aircraft.

The present invention may alternatively be described as a method and system for delivering an ordered product to a plurality of lock storage containers using a delivery system, said steps comprising: ordering delivery of one or more items to a first customer ; Determining, after the ordering, the size of the delivery using the delivery system; Inspecting the available space within the first lock storage container of the plurality of lock storage containers, the first lock storage container corresponding to the first customer by using the delivery system; Reserving in the first lock holding vessel sufficient space for receiving the delivery by operation of the delivery system when available; And delivering the delivery to the first lock holding container. When the available space in the first lockstep container is found to be insufficient relative to the size of the dispatch, when there is available space, the ordered dispatch may include at least a first partial delivery for separate delivery and a second partial delivery for separate delivery, It is divided into partial shipment. Wherein the delivery system comprises a scheduler, the method further comprising, after the ordering of the delivery, the use of the scheduler to deliver the first partial delivery and the second partial delivery at one or more times, Determining availability; Identifying a first time interval in which the first partial delivery can be made and a second time interval in which the second partial delivery can be made using the scheduler; And an access that allows access to the first lockout container only during the first time interval for delivery of the first partial delivery and during the second time interval for delivery of the second partial delivery, Signal to the first lock holding vessel. Before dividing the ordered delivery, an input is received from a customer indicating a customer's preference for complete delivery or delivery in multiple portions, and the scheduler receives the customer's preference Schedule delivery according to preference. The method further includes the step of billing the account of the first customer for delivery when the lock storage vessel signals insertion of the delivery to the lock storage container in the delivery system.

The method may alternatively be described as a method for delivering an item ordered by an unmanned aerial vehicle to a plurality of lock storage containers using a delivery system, the method comprising: ordering delivery of one or more items to a customer step; Delivering the delivery in a lock storage container corresponding to the customer among the lock storage containers; And a "DELIVERY MADE" signal to the delivery system signaling the insertion of a delivery to one of the lock containment vessels from the one of the lock containment vessels . When the delivery system receives a "DELIVERY MADE" signal, the delivery system charges the customer's account for the delivery; And automatically initiating communication to the customer. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > [0002] < / RTI > Wherein the delivery system comprises a scheduler and after the ordering, determining, by use of the scheduler, the availability of one of the lock holding containers to receive delivery at one or more times; Identifying a first time interval at which the delivery can be made using the scheduler; And forwarding an access signal to one of the lock containment vessels to allow the first delivery unmanned aircraft with which the delivery system is delivering to access one of the lock containment vessels only during the first time interval . The method may further include, after placing an order, using the shipping system to determine the size of the private delivery; Further comprising the step of inspecting the available space of said one of said lock storage containers by use of said delivery system.

The delivery system of the present invention comprises at least one lock storage container corresponding to a customer, an order receiver for receiving an order for the delivery of one or more goods by the unmanned aircraft for the customer; An availability determiner for determining availability of a lock holding vessel to receive delivery at one or more times; To receive availability information from the availability determinator and to identify a time interval during which the delivery can be made, allowing the shipping unmanned aircraft being shipped to access the lock holding container only for the time interval identified by the scheduler And a scheduler that is operative to transmit an access signal to the lock reservoir, wherein the reservoir has elements for receiving the access signal and for landing and loading the dock, The drones dock with the element, access the interior of the locked storage container, and deliver the goods therein.

The locking storage container of the present invention is a device having a docking means for docking a dron aircraft with a lock storage container and delivering the product / article safely therein without the need of a person who accepts the delivery, as described above. A locking device for controlling access to the storage container; And a communication link coupled to the locking device and operative to receive an access signal from the remote location that allows access to the storage container, wherein the locking device is configured to unlock at the time of presentation of the identifier, , And responds to a communication link that receives the access signal.

Figures 1-7 illustrate the prior art methods and systems improved by the present invention, for example, as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,933,832.

Figure 1 shows a device 10 according to the invention. The device 10 is a locked storage container having a door handle 12 and an electronic locking device 14. The locking device 14 may be accessed by a universal key, another physical device, or another identifier (including the biometric characteristics described above). The locking device 14 may identify a key (more generally an identifier) used to unlock or open the device electronically or by other means. However, in a preferred design, the device 10 can identify specific keys that are allowed / allowed or allowed access by unlocking the door based on commands communicated by a remotely located scheduler. The scheduler is coupled to the locking device 14 via a communication link 16, such as a modem or other system for communicating with the telephone system, the Internet or other communication, and is described in more detail below. The device may also deny input for keys not authorized for delivery or not authorized for delivery at that time. Preferably, the device is capable of recording and / or transmitting a log or other cataloged list of authorized and unauthorized attempt (s) when opening the device, and among other information, the electronic identity of each key, Time.

Access to the device 10 may be described by way of example. A first delivery person who works for a first company may have an electronic key, such as a smart card or a magnetic card, unique to that individual or first company. Alternatively, instead of a key or other physical access device, biometric characteristics (such as fingerprints, voice patterns, retina patterns, etc.) of the deliverymon can be read by the biometric sensor 15. A second deliveryman working for a second company may have an electronic key, such as a smart card or a magnetic card, unique to that individual or second company. The first deliveryman may be scheduled to access the device 10 during a first time interval, such as between 9 am and noon on a given day, while the second deliveryman may be scheduled to access the device 10 during the same day, such as between 1 pm and 4 pm And may be scheduled to access the device 10 for two time intervals. Under such circumstances, the locking device 14 is opened only by the electronic key (not shown) of the first deliverer during the first time interval, while the locking device 14 opens the electronic key of the second carrier Not opened). It is assumed that the scheduler switches the lock device 14 to an unlockable access state by electronic key. Alternatively, the scheduler can simply unlock the locking device 14 so that a person can insert the item into the device without the need for a locking device.

The time intervals may be much longer than the intervals above. For example, a time interval of 24 hours or more for delivery may be used. In addition, the first time interval and the second time interval may overlap or even be equal (i.e., two deliveries are scheduled for the same time interval).

In a typical use of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention, and particularly referring to FIG. 2, a flow diagram is shown superimposed over the main components or linked participants as shown. First, to describe the main components or participants, the customer 18 is linked to the website / retail partner 20, which in turn is linked to the scheduler web site software 22 and the shipping partner 24. The shipping partner 24 is eventually linked to the website / retail partner 20 and is also linked to the customer's home delivery attendant 26. The various links shown between 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26 are preferably Internet links, but telephone or other links may also be used for some or all of the links. In addition, while components 18-26 are shown for a particular customer, there will in fact be a plurality of customers 18 each having an associated home delivery agent 26 each. In addition, the scheduler web site / software may interact with a plurality of retail outlets 20 and multiple delivery partners 24. For example, there may be a retailer 20 for books that is all linked to the scheduler 22, a different retailer 20 for clothing, and a number of other retailers, and some may compete with others . Different shipping partners can be specialized on a geographic basis, shipping basis (ie, one person ships within one day, the other person within three days, etc.), and possibly a delivery type. As described below, some orders may include products that require special handling, such as refrigeration during transit, and shipping partners that provide such products may require a refrigerator section on the delivery truck.

Turning now to the flow diagram portion of FIG. 2, the steps are numbered from 28 to 50, and steps 40 and 44 are in a common box. In box 28, the consumer can access the e-commerce website via the Internet and purchase items for home delivery. The consumer identifies himself as the account holder. The retailer / vendor 20 electronically looks up and authenticates the database of registers or accounts made available online by the scheduler 22. The account holder may be a device (s) 10 (Fig. 1 (b)) capable of receiving and delivering unattended and electronically communicating with a special computer program (scheduler) that schedules delivery to the device and reports delivery to the account holder Only authorized users). The consumer selects items for purchase and delivery, and populates the electronic shopping cart.

It will be appreciated that the present invention also contemplates the delivery of items ordered by telephone, mail, or person at a retail store. The invention can also be used to receive items that do not involve commerce. For example, a neighbor can return a borrowed item to a person who owns the storage container.

The estimated total size of the bundle of goods, measured in dimensions of height, width and depth, is calculated (by software provided by the scheduler) based on the information provided by the seller when the cart contains the selected item. Accessing the information (provided by the scheduler over the computer network of the Internet) regarding the type and capacity of the device and the estimated remaining capacity of the expected delivery time / date indicates that the estimated size of the bundle of goods is the proposed delivery time / date (Including various dimensions) of the remaining space available to the appliance (s) specified by the consumer. Thus, a 5 foot long spell needs to be available within 5 feet of the device 10. If the order quantity or dimension exceeds the available capacity, the delivery may be split into two or more deliveries, or the customer may be offered the option of rescheduling the delivery at another available time, or removing the item from the shopping cart .

The retailer or seller informs the consumer of the final purchase price, including shipment and processing. At step 30, the consumer authorizes the purchase and displays the payment method. Consumers can pay directly to the seller or pay debit or credit accounts associated with the consumer's account. The seller finishes the sale. At block 32, the merchant notifies the scheduler 22 (a special computer program running on the delivery system computer) of the estimated time of delivery and the estimated size of the bundle of goods. The scheduler reserves capacity for the scheduled delivery time / date on the specified device. The merchant may also include an inventory of items purchased, prices for each item of each item purchased, itemized shipping and handling costs, and any other information the scheduler allows, including coupons or "cents off " Provide other advertising and promotional information to the scheduler (in the format specified by the scheduler). Such information provided by the seller may be made accessible to the consumer by the scheduler by various means and formats, including computer networks, the Internet, e-mail, telephone or printed matter.

The seller prepares the order for shipment. If the item is unavailable at the time the order item is being secured, or if other items are added to the shipment for any reason, the expected size of the item bundle is adjusted. At step 34, the seller accesses the information provided by the scheduler with respect to available capacity at the time of delivery / date. If there is space available, shipment is scheduled at step 36. If no space is available, the shipment is adjusted interactively until the available space capacity is identified and can be reserved. At step 38, the seller electronically provides information to the scheduler to update the order, including any shipping information, routing number or tracking number, and any additional advertising or promotional information.

Prior to the time / date of each scheduled delivery, the scheduler identifies the input to be authorized for the shipment scheduled to be identified by the device and scheduled on that date / time (a specified date or, optionally, a time interval within days of the day) Key to deliver electronic instructions to the device at step 40 for authorizing input to delivery personnel. If the key does not match the key authorized to enter the time / date, the input is rejected. Once the input for the authorized key is obtained, the key will be locked out again until authorized.

When delivery is made to the device 10 at step 42, the device informs the scheduler that the delivery is complete (at step 44) (by sending a "delivery complete" At the point of delivery, debit or credit sales are processed for payment at step 46 (the goods and / or delivery costs apply to the customer account). The scheduler updates the customer's account with the receipt time / date. The vendor selling the merchandise or the delivering service may also provide information regarding the delivery time / date, promotional materials and other information described above to the customer's account, including "thank you" .

The scheduler updates the consumer's account with various information about each purchased and scheduled delivery at step 50. [ Consumers can access this information through a variety of means including computer networks, e-mail, the Internet (i.e., inspecting web pages), consumer pagers, or text messages sent over the telephone. A list of scheduled deliveries by vendor classification (i.e., grocery store, drycleaning, etc.), a list of scheduled deliveries by vendor classification (i.e., grocery store, drycleaning, Shipping, Missing Delivery, Inventory of Ordered or Delivered Goods (by Vendor, Vendor Classification, Period, etc.), Inventory of Goods that have been ordered but not shipped, Costs (by vendor, vendor type, period, method of payment, shipment and processing) His / her account through various perspectives including.

The consumer account holder may request notification at various stages of the shipping and delivery process. In addition to information updated with available consumer accounts in the manner specified previously, you can send notifications via e-mail, voice or text pager, phone, smartphone, iPad type device or app.

While this discussion is for a consumer to place an order, it can be understood that the ordering person may also be a business customer ordering supplies for the business.

Referring now to Figures 2-5, details of the device 10 will be discussed. The door handle 12 and the electronic locking device 14 are located in front of the device 10 and will be used by the delivery person to access the device via the front door 15. [ The door handle 52 and the key lock device 54 will be used by the customer (i.e., the device owner) to access the rear door 55 of the device 10. [ In practice, the device 10 may have a rear door 55 inside the house with a front door 15 on the outside of the house (not shown). In this case, the appliance may enter the opening of the house wall in a manner similar to some indoor air conditioners. The interior of the appliance 10 includes an insulated compartment 56 in which an article such as a hot food (such as a pizza) can hold its heat. The dry goods or bulk goods may be placed in the compartment 58 subdivided by the shelf 60. Also included is a dry cleaning section 64 having a refrigeration compartment 62 and a dressing bar 66. Although not separately shown, a heating compartment and a freezing compartment can also be included.

Turning now to Fig. 6, the electronic lock 14 is connected to the computer / controller 68 in the device 10. [ The computer / controller 68 causes the solenoid or other actuator (not shown) to be activated or unlocked (i.e., ready to be unlocked) via the electronic key 70 to unlock the lock 14 , And communicates with the scheduler 22 via the communication link 16. The link 16 may be connected to the scheduler 22 via the Internet, telephone system, cable, wireless, or other technology.

The digital signature 71 may be stored in the computer 68 and used to acknowledge the special delivery. For example, delivery of certain medicines may require a signature to confirm receipt. When drug delivery (or any other delivery desired or desired) is inserted, the computer 68 may send the attached digital signature as part of the DELIVERY MADE signal to authenticate delivery. Alternatively, the electronic key 70 may be part of, or connected to, a miniature computer that is operable to receive a digital signature carried by the carrier and confirming receipt of the delivery. Among other countries, the United States recently made a digital signature available in a situation where a written signature was previously used due to legal amendments.

Referring now also to FIG. 7 and with reference to FIG. 2, a flow diagram of several key aspects of the method of the present invention will be discussed. Unless otherwise stated, the steps of FIG. 7 are performed by the scheduler 22. [ At step 72, the order is made up of a computer that delivers his / her order to the scheduler 22 by the customer. At block 74, the scheduler 22 determines the dimensions of the spell. These dimensions may be supplied to the scheduler 22 by the retailer 20. At block 76, the scheduler 22 compares the dimensions of the order with the available space in the device 10 for a given period of time. The scheduler can maintain a running total of available space in the device. Alternatively, the computer 68 of FIG. 6 may maintain a running total of available space provided to the scheduler upon automated request.

If the block 76 determines that sufficient space is not available, then control passes to block 78 and the order is split into two or more parts for separate delivery before returning to block 74 .

If block 76 determines that sufficient space is available, control passes to block 80 to reserve space for delivery. Next, block 82 may transmit an access signal from the scheduler 22 to the device 10 so that the deliverymon can unlock the device for a predetermined time interval. Block 84 indicates that delivery has taken place, and then block 86 corresponds to the computer 68 of the device 10 sending a delivery completion signal to the scheduler. When receiving a signal indicative of delivery, the scheduler 22 or another part of the delivery system computer on which the scheduling software is executed transmits a charge account signal. The charge account signal will charge or debit the customer's account for the completed shipment.

Figure 8 illustrates a method and system of the present invention that includes improvements to the prior art systems and methods described above. The top of the storage container 10 is shown in which a hatch 100, a port 102 for docking with an unmanned shipping aircraft, and a fixture (not shown) for receiving the aforementioned access signal from an unmanned aircraft 104).

Figure 9 shows the approach of the unmanned delivery aircraft 106 carrying the cargo 108 to be delivered to the storage vessel 10 shown in Figure 8. The aircraft receives elements 110 for docking with port 102 (Figure 8) after receiving an access signal to transmit signal 112 to receiving facility 104 and opening the hatch 100 therefrom. Respectively. After the docking is successfully completed, the cargo 108 is delivered through the open doorway 100 (FIG. 8). The unmanned aircraft 106 is then undocked from the vessel 10, and the entrance door 100 is closed and locked.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that any of the scheduling, signaling, and communication techniques described above may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present improved delivery system and method.

While various specific configurations and steps have been shown and discussed, these are for purposes of illustration only. Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the claims appended hereto.

Claims (9)

A method of delivering at least one ordered article to at least one locked storage container associated with a corresponding customer,
Determining the availability of the locked storage vessel to receive the delivery at one or more times;
Identifying a time interval at which said delivery can occur in said locked storage container; And
Transmitting a signal to said locked storage vessel that allows access by said shipping agent delivering said at least one ordered item to said locked storage container only during said time interval;
Lt; / RTI >
The improvement is that the shipping agent is an unmanned delivery aircraft. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the signal allows access to the locked storage vessel when the drones dock to the locked storage vessel. The method of claim 1, further comprising, after the ordering, determining the size of the delivery and inspecting the available room in the locked storage container. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising reserving sufficient space in the locked storage container to receive the delivery after determining availability as directed to the inspecting step. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: when it is found that the space available in the locked storage vessel is insufficient for the size of the delivery, The method further comprising the step of: dividing the partial delivery into a partial delivery and a second partial delivery. 6. The method of claim 5 further comprising transmitting to the locked storage vessel separate signals permitting access by the shipping agent delivering the partial shipments to the locked storage vessel only during the time interval in which the space is available The method of delivering the order item. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising, after the shipment, charging a charge to the customer's account when a signal from the locked storage container indicates that the shipment was made. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: initiating communication to the customer that the delivery has been made, the remote delivery system computer having a scheduler for scheduling delivery for specific time intervals, The delivery system computer compares the dimensions of the order with available space in the customer's device and after delivery is made, the device communicates via the Internet that the delivery has been made, Wherein the customer's account is charged or debit with respect to the cost associated with the order. In the delivery system,
At least one locked storage container corresponding to the customer;
An order receiver for receiving an order for delivery of one or more goods by the unmanned aircraft for the customer;
An availability determiner that determines availability of the locked storage container to receive delivery at one or more times; And
To receive availability information from the availability determiner and to identify a time interval at which delivery can be made, and to allow the delivery unmanned aircraft that is delivering to access the locked storage vessel only during the time interval identified by the scheduler To the locked storage container,
Lt; / RTI >
Wherein the storage container includes an element for receiving the access signal and for landing and loading the docking such that the unmanned aerial vehicle is docked with the element and accessing the interior of the locked storage container, Delivery system that ships within a storage container.

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